Amerityre Corp. is developing a zero-pressure spare tire made from polyurethane elastomer. According to the company, performance testing on the spare tire, intended for passenger cars, light trucks and SUVs, will begin by early January 2005.
The product is under development "in response to a growing concern among consumers and organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for post-crash fires caused by fuel leakage in high-impact rear collisions," says Amerityre.
"The high-pressure spare tire´s close proximity, in most cases, to the fuel tank can be an explosion hazard for vehicles involved in high-impact rear collisions. A zero-pressure spare tire reduces the risk of causing an explosion."
Richard Steinke, president of Amerityre, says after testing is completed the company will introduce the product to manufacturers and suppliers.
More information on the tire can be found on the company´s Web site, www.amerityre.com, under the heading, "Why a Zero-Pressure Spare Tire?"
